The country is currently (1998) still troubled by drug cartels and guerilleros controling much of the rural territory. The main guerilla groups are the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) and the ELN (National Freedom Army) under Commanders Antonio García and Nicolás.

Notwithstanding these problems, Colombia's Constitution -- which we do not yet have on ICL -- might be of some interest for comparative research. To quote ICL user Diego Lopez-Medina "[A]midst conflict in the country, Colombia's constitutional law has turned out to be exceedingly interesting and forward-looking. People in the region know, and they have come to expect, certain leadership on the part of Colombia's constitutional law. This sounds indeed strange. It is even paradoxical. But that paradox is precisely what makes Colombian constitutional law such an interesting case of study for comparatists all over the world."

The ruling Liberal Party (LP) is led by President Ernesto Samper.

History and News

25 Oct 2003: Referendum on a number of constitutional amendments functioning as a vote of confidence in the government of Uribe; the provisions are targeted at trimming fiscal matters.

7 Aug 1998: End of Samper's four-year term as President.

May 1998: Presidential elections. Alfonso Valdivieso Sarmiento, form prosecutor-general, has announced his candidacy in May 1997.